Toronto, June 29, 2009 – Four weeks after
introducing a $0.05 charge for single-use grocery bags, Metro
grocery stores across Quebec and Ontario are reporting that 70 per
cent fewer bags have been distributed in store, when compared to
the monthly average. Demand for reusable bags has increased by five
times since June 1, when the fee was implemented. Such positive
results will help Metro reach its goal of reducing the distribution
of single-use grocery bags by 50 per cent by the end of 2010.
Environmental groups, such as the Recycling Council of Ontario,
strongly support this initiative because reduction at source is the
best way to decrease the number of plastic and paper bags used.
However, this solution requires the combined efforts of retailers
and consumers. The Recycling Council of Ontario estimates that 4.2
billion bags are distributed in Ontario every year.
“By encouraging the use of reusable shopping bags, Metro and its
shoppers are making a significant environmental commitment and are
demonstrating that it is the simple every day changes that can make
all the difference,” says Jo-Anne St. Godard, executive director,
Recycling Council of Ontario.
"The early results are very encouraging as they confirm that
consumers are not only concerned about the environment, they are
willing to change their shopping habits for the well-being of the
community,” stated Selena Fiacco, director, communications, Metro
Ontario Inc. “The 70 per cent reduction in the number of single-use
grocery bags distributed is also the result of the combined work of
Metro grocery stores that support this initiative and recognize its
importance.”
ENVIRONMENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Metro launched the Green Apple School Program to
encourage elementary and high school students in Quebec and Ontario
to develop projects to promote a healthier environment. Metro is
allocating $2 million to the program ($1 million in each province).
Participants can submit their projects as of September 1,
2009.
The sale of bags for $0.05 and the creation of the Green Apple
School Program are the latest of many environmental initiatives
undertaken by Metro, including the 2006 launch of the first
reusable shopping bag. Metro addressed air pollution by setting
speed limits for all its delivery vehicles in 2006 and developed
"Leave it Greener," an employee communications program, to promote
the principles and values of environmentally responsible
behaviour.
In August, Metro will roll out a communications campaign featuring
in-store signage, advertisements in flyers and a website dedicated
to the Green Apple School Program.
METRO INC.
With annual sales of close to $11 billion and more than 65,000
employees, Metro Inc. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical
sectors in Quebec and Ontario, where it operates a network of
almost 600 grocery stores under several banners, including Metro,
Metro Plus, A&P, Super C and Food Basics as well as 250
drugstores under the Brunet, Clini Plus, The Pharmacy and Drug
Basics banners. For more information, visit metro.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Selena Fiacco
Director, Communications
Metro Ontario Inc.,
416.234.6081
selena.fiacco@metro.ca
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